Paris When it Sizzles
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Movie Reviews of Paris When it Sizzles
Movie Review: a comprehensive study of depravity
Summary: 4 Stars
Not for those in search of deeply searching dramatic moments, PARIS WHEN IT SIZZLES pits the inimitable Audrey Hepburn over against William Holden, who proves his mettle more convincingly than, say, George Peppard in the better of the two films, BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S.
Something drew Hepburn to Paris (both the real city and the simulated LA sound stages). There is in fact a bit of Paris about the young actress, who makes of even comic farce an attractive evening's viewing.
Her characters - this film's secretary Miss Gabrielle Simpson - veer between naiveté and shrewdness, never quite declaring allegiance to either of the available extremes. She has, after all, arrived in Paris and executed 'a comprehensive study of depravity', combining in her off-hand style the innocence of such a project and the mastery of perversity with which it can be expected to have familiarized her.
Obviously smitten from the beginning by Holden's hack screenwriter, Hepburn's Miss Simpson fashions Holden's character into a better man than he could have imagined himself being: 'not international wit funny but *really* funny'.
When confronted with the 'L' word on Holden's 43-year-old lips - he looks a fit sixty, but this was before health food and smoke-free restaurants - Hepburn shimmers in soft focus. She doesn't sulk, she doesn't come off the screen and grab you by the throat, but she *does* shimmer as Paris simmers.
This belongs in your Hepburn collection, even if it doesn't quite make it onto the shelf labeled 'Great Films'.
Movie Review: At least I liked it......
Summary: 4 Stars
As I write this, I realize that this movie is perhaps the most maligned film in either Audrey Hepburn or William Holden's catalogues. I will admit, the film is not perfect, and the love story between the two leads is not the most convincing love story out there, but the movie is fun to watch.
The story involves a writer and a typist who have three days to come up with a full movie script, since the author waited until the last minute to start. The two trade ideas on how to make the story good, and in the process they fall in love, and the story within the story alludes to what is happening in "real life"
I found the movie actually witty at times, and very creative. I dabble in writing myself once in a while, so I can relate to having a million ideas, none of which relate to one another. If you still need a reason to watch the movie, the Paris cityscapes and miscellaneous photography are breathtaking.
Paris When it Sizzles is no Roman Holiday, Breakfast at Tiffany's, or even a Funny Face or Love in the Afternoon, but it has its charms, which any Audrey Hepburn fan would absolutely devour in moments.
P.S. 2003's Alex and Emma has the same basic story, and is very fun to watch too.
Movie Review: Bubbly Fun
Summary: 4 Stars
I'd avoided PARIS WHEN IT SIZZLES for years because of the universal pans it received -- what a mistake! The new DVD release will undoubtedly give the film a new lease on life, and hurrah for that. What movie did the critics see? This picture may not be top-drawer work from anyone involved, but it's still a great deal of fun, and definitely worth a look. Hepburn is enchanting, as always, and it's enjoyable to see her spoofing horror and action film conventions. Knowing her real-life feelings for Holden adds a special poignancy to their work together here, particularly in his big self-loathing monologue; her reaction shots to him are very moving. He's game, as are Tony Curtis and Noel Coward in cameos, and there's real wit in the Axelrod screenplay. If only the average comedy released today could have a tenth of the style or flair in this "flop" of Hollywood's later golden era!Movie Review: delightful movie-making spoof
Summary: 4 Stars
William Holden and Audrey Hepburn (the stars of SABRINA) again make for an electrifying screen couple in the delightful movie-making spoof PARIS WHEN IT SIZZLES.As a hard-nosed writer and a resourceful young secretary, Holden and Hepburn both devise a long-winded B-movie with the impossible title of "The Girl Who Stole the Eiffel Tower".
As they enact the hilariously cliched situations that unfold in the movie, the line between fact and fiction becomes continually more ill-defined, and the two begin to fall in love , both on and off the screen!
With hilarious cameos from Noel Coward, Marlene Dietrich and Tony Curtis along with audio-cameos from Frank Sinatra and Fred Astaire, this is a star-spotter's dream and a movie-buff's delight!
The DVD includes the trailer, while nicely presenting the film in a faultless anamorphic transfer.
Movie Review: Not Your Every Day Classic
Summary: 4 Stars
One of Audrey Hepburn's quirkier films Paris When It Sizzles is a story of a secretary (Hepburn) who comes to type up a wealthy film writers (Holden) script. Much to her surprise there is no script to write. To further the dilemma the script has to be finished within a couple of days. The real film is a jump in and out of reality as you see what is in Holdens mind. Naturally he messes up a few times and you have to rewind and start over again or change a character, therefore, the film changes just like that. Then Hepburn/Holden chemistry you think would be there, considering they had already filmed together before (Sabrina). However, it seems tense and slightly uncomfortable, possibly due to Holden's drinking and his crush on Hepburn. But all in all it is a unique film that might be your answer if the every day classic bores you.